EU and International Environmental Policy

Achieving sustainable development requires striking a balance between economic, social and environmental needs, by creating a resource-efficient economy and a fair and just society which stays within the ecological limits of the natural environment.

Many environmental issues, such as air pollution and climate change, are not specific to one country. In recognition of this 'transboundary' dimension, Ireland participates in international and European efforts to address regional and global environmental challenges. For example, Ireland actively supports:

• The United Nations Environmental Programme ('UN Environment' or 'UNEP')
• The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)which were adopted at the UN General Assembly in September 2015.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted as part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs attempt to integrate the needs of the economy, society and the environment to achieve the overall aim of sustainable development. The Government of Ireland is committed to achieving this aim, by taking a whole-of-government approach to the SDGs, incorporating them into every aspect of social, economic and environmental policy.

Read more about the Sustainable Development Goals

The Irish government supports the participation of non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and citizens in the environmental decision-making process. As party to the Aarhus Convention, Ireland recognises the right of the public to have access to environmental information, to participate in environmental decision-making and to challenge public decisions which go against these rights. The government also participates in a range of domestic and international environmental initiatives.

The Aarhus Convention lays down a set of basic rules to promote the involvement of citizens in environmental matters and improve enforcement of environmental law. It is based on three principles or pillars:

• Access to Information
• Public Participation in Decision-Making
• Access to Justice in Environmental Matters

Ireland ratified the Aarhus Convention and the associated Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Amendment and the Pollutant Release Transfer Register (PRTR) Protocol in June 2012. It entered into force in Ireland in September 2012.

The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) was established under the Good Friday Agreement. It is made up of certain Ministers from both the Northern Ireland Administration and the Irish government. The Council members work together in cooperation to the mutual benefit of both parts of the island, as laid out on their website. Environment Ministers meet twice a year to oversee co-operation in a number of areas such as:

• Environmental Protection
• Water Quality Management
• Waste Management
• Environmental Reporting and Research
• EU Funding Opportunities

After each meeting, the Council issues a Joint Communiqué on what was discussed and agreed at the meeting.

The British-Irish Council was established under the Good Friday Agreement to promote positive, practical relationships among its Member Administrations - Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Ministers have discussed a very broad range of environmental topics throughout the history of the British-Irish Council including:

• Sustainable Development
• Marine
• Waste
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Biodiversity
• Circular Economy
• Consumer Behavioural Change

A significant portion of Ireland's environmental policy is also influenced by Ireland's membership of the EU.

EU environment policy, including policy on engagement in the wider international environment protection agenda is discussed at Environment Council meetings. The Environment Council is comprised of Ministers with responsibility for environmental matters, including climate change. All Member States are represented and the Council generally meets in formal session four times a year. Together with the European Parliament, the Council is responsible for adopting progressive European environment policy and legislation.